This is a large stump.
Riding through Kendrick Park last weekend, we came into a patch of sunshine. Sunshine was unusual as this area is always shady because of the trees on the hill overlooking the park & the many tall Casuarinas inside the park. Looking up we saw a large neatly cut stump. Another tree had been removed.
We won’t know the reason because Marrickville Council didn’t put the Notification of Removal notice on their website or a post-notification because removing the tree was an emergency. It’s disappointing & makes me wonder how many other public trees come down without the community knowing about it.
Is it too much to ask? Very few trees up for removal these days get challenged. I myself have only recently written a submission asking Council to delay a tree removal because of the benefit to wildlife. Prior to this it has been a long time since I sent in a submission or encouraged anyone else to do so.
When I started SoT it was Council’s own policy to notify the community of public tree removals on their website & with a sign on the tree/s. It’s an easy & simple process that provides transparency of Council’s operations & importantly, gives the community the ability to have a say.
I have found that it is rare that a tree chosen for removal is not removed, but the benefits to Council of allowing the community both information & the opportunity to send in a submission are substantial as it cultivates trust. I also believe that community trust is a valuable commodity & difficult to regain if lost.
SAVING OUR TREES - Marrickville municipality 
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September 24, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Marrickville Tree Management
Hi SoT,
This tree was dead and presented a significant risk to the public given its location on the rock outcrop above the cycleway. It is not Council’s policy to notify the removal of a dead tree.
As a side note the branches from this tree where used by Council’s Biodiversity team for bank stabalisation at the Marrickville Golf Course Landcare site.
September 24, 2013 at 8:04 pm
Saving Our Trees
Thanks for your response Marrickville Team Management. You say – “It is not Council’s policy to notify the removal of a dead tree.” When did this policy change occur? Only on 5th August 2013 MC posted a Notification of Removal about a tree in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park saying, “Tree is dead & presents an unacceptable risk to infrastructure & public safety.” See – https://savingourtrees.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/public-tree-removal-in-camperdown/
With respect, firstly, it is in Council’s best interests that its statements be consistent with its practices. Inconsistency erodes trust in Council. Secondly, it is in Council’s best interests to simply post a Notification of Removal of all public trees on your website, preferably before you remove them. This will allow the community to know the reason why a tree was removed as opposed to being left in the dark. Lack of information also erodes trust. Jacqueline
September 24, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Dusty
agreed- lack of transparency always suggests something to hide- even if that is not the case. remember the ratepayers fund the council!
September 25, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Brenda
I think your point is very well made SoT and I agree totally.
Council has given notification of removal of dead trees in the past and should continue to give notice for all trees in public areas it intends to remove.
There is no rush, in my view, to remove a tree as if by stealth, if there is transparency or standard operating procedures which an organisation like Marrickville Council is sure to have.
Indeed, I feel certain that council would have established their own guidelines. So I would expect that they would follow these consistently.
I view trees as part of the public’s assets and know that others do too.
I sincerely hope that council will plant an advanced tree to replace the one removed in Camperdown Memorial Park.
October 2, 2013 at 10:51 am
annapoodle
it’s a shame about the tree having to be removed, but if it was dead then there was good reason. however it is very confusing and troubling that Marrickville Council’s policy on notification keeps changing – it certainly does not foster trust or confidence amongst the community when one week it’s “this” policy and the next week it’s “that” policy. who is making up these policy changes????
October 23, 2013 at 7:09 pm
poodle
mmmmm interesting, no reply to your request for additional clarification from council still? i was hoping for an update to clear the confusion.
when DID the policy change? what IS the current policy?